Seventy-two cats removed from home

March 18, 2014

A Fort Myers Shores home is the latest location of what officials are calling "a series of hoarding cases" uncovered by Lee County Domestic Animal Services this year.

The agency was notified of the situation by an anonymous caller. On March 18 officers responded to the home of a woman in the 12000 block of Fourth Street and found 72 cats "living in extremely unsanitary conditions," animal services said in a prepared statement.

"Most of the cats were lying in their own waste stacked in cages inside the home," the statement reads. "Many were found to be suffering from upper respiratory infections, severe flea dermatitis, and overall neglect."

The case is still under investigation; charges have not been filed at this time.

The shelter is in need of foster homes to help with the care of the cats and to alleviate the overcrowding that the case has caused. Anyone interested in fostering may download a foster application at www.leelostpets.com/Pages/FosterProgram.aspx.

"We urge residents to report suspected cases of neglect and abuse. It is the only way we can help the animals and see that the abusers receive help and/or are prosecuted," said Glenn Johnson, LCDAS operations manager.

Call 239-533-7387 make a report or complaint. Callers may remain anonymous.